The design planned for part of the site of the current AA Motels is in the hands of Nelson architects Jeremy Smith and Andrew Irving of Irving Smith Jack Architects, but was still in the conceptual stage. The three-level apartment complex with parking on the ground floor had also attracted healthy interest from prospective buyers for the development which would begin once a threshold of buyers was confirmed.

Owners have been invited to be part of the building process by having the option of being able to tailor an apartment to meet their requirements. Prices were expected to begin at under $500,000 for a 150-square-metre apartment.

"They will be beautifully designed to encompass the best of urban living and the Nelson lifestyle, so we expect the apartments will attract more people into the city, resulting in a multitude of benefits," Inglis said.

The former seafood international marketing manager and his wife Michelle bought the 1100sqm site in 2011 with the intention of building apartments. Inglis has been involved in a couple of large commercial projects but this was his first large residential development. He wanted to build on strong family ties to the region and was committed to Nelson.

"When we bought the site an apartment development was always in the back of our minds. We have looked at what else has been done, and what hasn't. What we're planning should enliven the area." The Inglis plan to live in one of the apartments.

Kent Inglis said they received a good response from the urban design panel. He said it was a good idea to have everything lined up prior to the consent stage, and seek guidelines from the panel before lodging consent applications. Inglis said they had begun consulting neighbours and planned to demolish part of the motel block in the new year.

He expected the new apartments to have a positive impact on activity in Nelson and the vibrancy of the inner city.

"Riverwalk Apartments is still in the early stages of consultation, however we are confident the plans will come to fruition, with the aim to begin building next year."